Chapter 305: Helping hand (5)

Tyrion sat in the warm water, and behind him, Penelope sat on a chair she took from beside the bed. 

Penelope's hands were gentle as she washed Tyrion's hair. It was the least she could do after Tyrion not only shielded her earlier, but he had to endure hearing of how he turned his back on the kingdom.

"I don't regret our marriage for one second, but it pains me that the cost of my not wanting to become queen is now you having to bear others labelling you a deserter," said Penelope. 

"It does not hurt my feelings," Tyrion said, the emotions he felt long passed.

"It might not hurt you, but it will bother you over time. As you face moments like this, I think of how I must do better to make leaving the palace worthwhile. It doesn't matter to me that you would have left regardless," Penelope shared her feelings.

"Should we leave sooner than we planned?" Penelope wondered. "Perhaps you wouldn't be recognised elsewhere, and no one can bother us."